The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-10-12
sReform" ISLANDERS Metby I'M
impeachabte Statistics.
Ievees Built, Agriculture Fostered
and Public Credit Strengthened.
sIaanificent Results that Have Followed &
Progressive and Consistent Policy.
XeR Orleans Times-Democrat.

and qualifications of various citizens OF the
State before investing them with public
trusts q brief review OF some OF the princi-
psl acts Of his public career, and events with
which Gov Samuel d. McEnerys name and
administration has become inseparably con-
nected, may be Of public interest.
It ia with difficulty that one can repress a
shudder, even though almost decade has
passed, in recurring to the carnival of crime
against which the people of Louisiana strug-
gled for so many weary years. o..
Time will efface these bitter memories, but
the lesson taught our people will live for
ever.
THE infamy of that era will go down to. his
tory as a shame blot on our State and na-
tional existence.
But for the perpetual menace Of the pres
ance in the body polite of the forces which
wrought the great wrongs OF the past, and
the calamitous effects OF a, recurrence, IN
part or in whole, OF the evils which para,
lived the prosperity of the State, one might
wish that the whole dreadful episode should
pass into oblivion as a hideous nightmare:
In contest involving the very clviilzaton
of community, where the fangs OF power,
yenality and ignorance were rooted deep:
where the evil arms of Radicalism, clasplng,
octopus-hke, the life, safety and happiness
of family, with law, order and taxation help
domination was the machinery Of possession
and the power of brutal, deluded ignorance
all ordinary rules Of party warfare ceased 70
avail or TO apply.
hold was overthrown and our State govern
ment installed in 1877, but the far-reachlng
tentacles of the monster Radlcallsm still
held in its grasp many of the richest parishes
OF the State.
Nearly one-half of Louisiana remained In
political slavery
The intelligence, property and civilization
OF these parishes was completely snbjugated
to the same venal influences that had
wrecked the prosperity of the State. and
against which the people had 80 hercely con-
tended.
In Csddo, Natchitoches, Rapides, Tensas,
Concorda, Ouachita and other parishes the
Democracy were face to face with the hard
comparatively barren of results, unless and
until tho parishes could be redeemed and
economic local government inaugurated.
II is not surprising. therefore, that the
campaign Of 1875 was reinaugurated in
1873, when the final redemption of North
Louisiana WAS accomplished.
From the beginning OF the struggle to the
end, with unfaltetlng courage and fidelity,
Samuel d. McEnery fought the battle Of his
people: his arInor always on. his voice al
ways heard, rallying and encouraging the
people to effort after effort until the last
stronghold was carried and home rule pre-
vailed.
UnSwerying in his devotion to Democracy,
untiripg in zeal for his State, it was not
strange that the first convention held under
the Constitution, made after the redemption
of the whole State, should call S. d. Nc
Emery to the public service.
His elevation to the Office of Lieutenant
Governor was not only tribute to q worthy
Democrat, but also illustrated the spirit of
Cancellation and desire for psrty harmony
which prevailed in the ranks of the support
ers Of Louis A. Witt. who was nominated at
the same time for Governor.
Between the patriotic young Creole Execu-
tive and his able and courageous Lieutenant
there grew up not only cordial official rela-
tions, but warm personal attachment.
How could it be otherwise, with two brave
able, answering Democrats, whose best
manhood days had been spent in promoting
the welfare OF their State and party. and who
were Jointly invested with the supreme re-
sponsibiiity of leadership involving not only
the regeneration OF public affairs, but the
supremacy OF their party?
Even before the solemn oath OF Office, ded-
icating the young Governor anew to the
service of his people, had been adm, Mustered
The hand of death had laid fast hold upon
him. Every hour Of his Official ii Life was
and plans formed for the ameiioration of
the State, and he died as he had lived, serv-
ing his people with almost his LAST gasp.
Taking VI, the work of his dead friend and
W
addressed himself to the various financial
industrial and commercial questions touch
ing the welfare OF the State and her institu-
tons
,,Itwould be impossible. within the scope of
this article, to review all OF the important
questions which have received the impress of
his will and the benefit Of hi= ability; but a
brief reference to few of the leading sub.
}ects affecting the peoples interests may not
be ont of place.
The record of his administration is, how.
ever, written in the history. of his States
progress, and is to be seen of all men in the
improved conditions of State and Iparochial
governments. the finances, PUBLIC institl-
ao1s, III agriculture, education. industry
and riparian protection.
Unhappily. the patriotic sentiments which
enabled Cows. Wilt2 and McEnery to com.
pine Their labors i'll mutual effort for the pub.
h hcg good, did not extend to all Of those who
egody was scarcely cold in the grave before
the triumphant cry passed along the line Of
MS former opponents, Now we will hang the
scalps Of the Wilt men at our belts, F." cry
more hitting the savage COmanche of the
plains in his raids against an opposing tribe,
b man members OF a, party which ought tc
nave become united by a common suffering
and common effort in the public behalf
!, mus, at the. outset Of his administration
was thrust upon Gov. McEnery in the de-
mand for the removal of Gov Wiltz's gp
polntees and for discrimination against thu
dead Governors friends in the filling O
vacancies.
The first vacancy was in the Office of coro
nsr q the City Of New Orleans. d.. Miles,
" the Charity Hospital, was first chosen
ne Declined. DIR. LeNlonnier was next Sc
!ected. 1t so happened that the laqt-namec
fs;usia e had been personal and politioa
MI MI. John Fitzpatrick, who supported thu
examination Of Lieut.. Gov. McEnery in the
STATE convention, felt called upon to protest
ha n Wss He good sSSd ab 5ss sd
ana o good Democrat, but based bis protes
man." "'A''
The rebuke came promptly: "Gov. Wilt;
n nm my friendship and respect, and 70,
inay as well know, once for all, that it will b,
nouisparagement to person during my ad
nWln,siratlon to be known as his friend"
bo mneh the political and partisan pressure
tS;s Nm formidable and serious, representa-
Sos. McEnery, stated their appreciation o
ns expressions, pointed out the serious con
Ssluenees Of his refusal to aequiesce in the
.a.shds OF his political friends, and frankly
sTsNed a willingness to place in his hands
@&s SslgDatlon Of such appointees OF Gov
49,, whose places he might desire for hi
Eo,soIiAt OF political friends in order to re
Enaesnim from embarrassment. Gov. Mo
nSSlys response was quickly and firml.
Gov. Wiltzs appointments wers made il
bb,u r., OF the powers placed in his hand
~ ~ he majority of the Democracy of Louisi
SS, 70 take advantage of the sad acciden
tbs " ,niH nave come into power, to. reyeEs
n ag WIN OF the people as expressed at tn
p por.s, or to use that power for personal O
IN psNsslsah ends would lower the dignity of tn
e,nse, be injurious to the Democratic party
Of gq ~ Justly subject me to censure at the hand
VI ohahe people. | have resolved that whe1
oassrses can be sustained showing that an,
r s;sf Is corrupt, negligent or incompetent
msI;M remove him, if in my power. and il
t;csi ~ appointments will accord my poll
ma Ma friends the full measure Of recognition
''is services. ability and numbers ma